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Welfare of dairy cows
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety Authority
|May 18, 2023
Summary
This study evaluates dairy cow welfare in European housing systems, identifying key risks and proposing animal-based measures for assessment. Expert opinion highlighted specific farm characteristics that warrant further welfare evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Veterinary Public Health
- European Union Policy
Background:
- The European Commission mandated an assessment of dairy cow welfare as part of the Farm to Fork strategy.
- Dairy farming practices and housing systems significantly impact animal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and assess dairy cow welfare in prevalent European housing systems.
- To identify welfare consequences, hazards, and preventive measures.
- To explore farm characteristics for classifying on-farm welfare levels.
Main Methods:
- Literature reviews and expert opinion were used for assessments.
- Analysis of housing systems (tie-stalls, cubicles, outdoor access) and their welfare implications.
- Evaluation of welfare consequences (lameness, mastitis, behavioral restrictions) using animal-based measures.
Main Results:
- Prevalent housing systems in the EU were described, with their respective strengths, weaknesses, and hazards.
- Animal-based measures were proposed for five key welfare consequences.
- Expert knowledge elicitation identified five farm characteristics indicative of potential welfare concerns.
Conclusions:
- Specific housing systems present distinct welfare challenges for dairy cows.
- Animal-based measures are crucial for assessing welfare consequences.
- Certain farm characteristics necessitate targeted on-farm welfare assessments.
